Today is my 26th birthday. Sure, happy birthday to me... but the real birthday surprise and celebration comes from the great news we found out today... the baby we are expecting at the end of May 2012 is a GIRL!

I told my husband as soon as we found out (in September) that if it is a girl, and we were able to find out before Christmas, that we would have a pink Christmas tree... he said okay, of course (because he loves me so much!), probably thinking the odds of finding out before Christmas were slim. Sorry hubby, and my dear son...

It's a girl!

So I went to Walmart, got a little 3.5' pink tree, pre-lit, and went down their ornament aisle (awesomely color-coded) and got lovely pink and purple ornaments! I bought pink and purple spray paint for a table (for the tree to sit on), and got some pink tulle for under the tree, to cover the plastic base. There was obviously a lot of glitter involved on the ornaments as well...

I came home, spray painted an Ikea side table, set up the tree, decorated it, and had a BLAST. It is honestly the prettiest little tree I've ever seen... as far as pink Christmas trees are concerned, anyways. Hubby agrees, says it's adorable.

Did I mention that this is how we announced it to family and friends? I thought it was a pretty cute idea... Also, all of this only cost me less than $50. I already had the side table, but if you want to count it-- no more than $70!

Enjoy the photos... our lovely little pink Christmas tree for our sweet little Lily Mae, expected at the end of May 2012!

Yesterday was my nephew's 3rd birthday! I made a cake for him and the immediate family went to my sister's house for pizza and cake. I think he had a great time, and it was good to see my little sassypants niece again!

Very early yesterday morning, my niece Mackenzie Renée was born. She is my younger sister's second child, but first daughter. She went in to Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital, Newport Beach, on Sunday to be induced, and had her Monday morning, May 30, 2011 at 1:16am. Mackenzie weighed 7lb 12oz, and was 19.5" long. Absolutely beautiful, perfect skin, perfect round face, dark hair, and soft as a bunny. My sister did amazingly well, and looked beautiful.

I'm not going to lie and say it doesn't make me want another baby, because it totally does. But now I want a baby girl! I love my niece with all my heart. I've said it before, but if you don't believe in love at first sight, just be present when a baby is born. You will fall in love immediately, at first sight.

Congratulation to Michelle and Chris, and new big brother Connor, on your precious new addition. I love you all so much!

Melody Calvert Photography | An on-site photographer serving both Orange County and the Inland Empire, specializing in families, couples, and candid moments.I hope you have a happy day, full of SMILES!